In a move that can have far-reaching implications on the electoral politics in North Gujarat, former minister of state for home and founder of Arbuda Sena, Vipul Chaudhary is likely to join Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party on Tuesday.
Chaudhary, a BJP member, is currently behind the bars over alleged charges of corruption to the tune of Rs 800 crore rupees in Dudhsagar Dairy scam during his stint as its chairman.
The Arbuda Sena was set up by Chaudhary a couple of years ago to protect the rights of milk producers and cattle rearers. Its general secretary Rajesh Chaudhary told THE WEEK that Chaudhary joining the AAP is not yet confirmed.
However, there are enough indications for the major change in happening. The Gujarat unit of the AAP has already circulated Kejriwal's participation at Arbuda Sena's mega convention to be held in Gandhinagar district on Tuesday.
Sources said Chaudhary is likely to contest elections on an AAP ticket from Visnagar. This will put him against health minister Rushikesh Patel of the BJP.
In the event of Chaudhary joining the AAP and the Arbuda Sena announcing its support for the AAP, the BJP will have to face a tough fight in more than 30 seats in the region where they had an upper hand.
Rajesh told THE WEEK that in such a scenario, the BJP's votes will be affected as the community had supported the saffron party in the 2017 assembly elections.
Gujarat votes on December 1 and 5 to elect 182 lawmakers.
